Zurich University of Applied Sciences / ZHAW
Technikumstrasse 71
8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
The team Electrochemical Cells and Microstructures at the Institute of Computational Physics is involved in the modelling and simulation of electrochemical flow cells on three length scales, that is, we develop models for the electrochemical double layer, pore-scale electrode structures, and cell-scale processes.
Main tasks in SPACER
ZHAW will develop a model of the electrochemical double‑layer that captures molecule size, ion‑ion interactions, adsorption, and multi‑step reactions, then simplify it for macroscopic use and validate it with spectro‑electrochemical data. Furthermore, the aim is to link microstructural characteristics to RFB electrode performance. A macro‑homogeneous model will be created based on balance laws (charge, mass, momentum, energy) using effective parameters derived from pore‑scale simulations.
»The SPACER project provides us the opportunity to further develop and improve physics-based models for the coupled physical and chemical processes in electrochemical flow cells at different length scales with the aim to predict and optimise performance metrics. The developed models will be published in part as open-source software to foster the uptake of the models by the research community. Furthermore, we plan to offer commercialised models and services to the industry.”